CVE-2023-4695 in pkp-lib
Summary
by MITRE • 09/01/2023
Use of Predictable Algorithm in Random Number Generator in GitHub repository pkp/pkp-lib prior to 3.3.0-16.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4695 resides within the GitHub repository pkp/pkp-lib, a widely used open source platform for managing scholarly publishing systems including journals, conferences, and monographs. This issue specifically concerns the implementation of random number generation within the platform's cryptographic operations, affecting versions prior to 3.3.0-16. The flaw represents a significant security weakness that could potentially compromise the integrity of cryptographic functions relying on pseudo-random number generation.
The technical flaw manifests in the use of predictable algorithms within the random number generator implementation, which violates fundamental cryptographic principles and best practices. When a system employs predictable random number generation, it creates deterministic outputs that can be anticipated or reverse-engineered by malicious actors. This vulnerability falls under the category of weak randomness generation that directly impacts cryptographic security mechanisms, particularly those involving session management, token generation, password resets, and other security-sensitive operations. The predictable nature of the random number generator makes it susceptible to various attack vectors that exploit the deterministic behavior of the underlying algorithm.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cryptographic weaknesses, potentially enabling attackers to compromise user sessions, forge security tokens, or predict sensitive values used in authentication processes. In the context of scholarly publishing platforms where user authentication, access control, and data integrity are paramount, this weakness creates opportunities for unauthorized access to sensitive academic content, manipulation of publication workflows, and potential data breaches. The vulnerability affects the entire ecosystem of applications built on pkp/pkp-lib, including popular platforms like Open Journal Systems, Open Conference Systems, and Open Monograph Press, each serving thousands of academic institutions worldwide.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-4695 require immediate patching of affected systems to version 3.3.0-16 or later, which implements proper cryptographic random number generation. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their deployed instances to identify any potential exploitation attempts or compromised sessions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1583.001 for obtaining credentials through predictable random number generation. Additionally, security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns and session management anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts, while ensuring proper entropy sources are utilized in all cryptographic operations moving forward.